You might think of skinny models strutting down the catwalk during New York's Fashion Week, but on Friday (February 8) the canines took over the runway to show off their wares during a charity show.
Hundreds of dogs and their pet-loving owners packed the ballroom of a Midtown hotel to raise money for tri-state area animal shelters for the timely scheduled event at the start of the haute couture fashion shows and just before next week's elite Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
"Well, this is a very special cause," said Genna Odda, who came up from Mississippi with her husband and dog, Sophia. "I really think that being able to donate and contribute to something that helps animals is a very good cause -- it's well worth the effort,"
Sophia, a pampered Pomeranian, went down the runway in Odda's arms in her custom designed doggy gown worth $14,000 (USD).
"She loves it. She's a little ham. She's a good girl. She seems like she's more relaxed than momma is," added Genna.
The doggy fashion show, which had a Gatsby/Roaring '20s theme, featured three different shows. One of which featured only rescued animals who received their preparation from celebrity dog groomer, Jorge Bendersky.
"It's just. . .make them happy. When the dog is happy, the dog is happy to do anything that you want him to do," said the retired Bendersky about the secret to prepping a dog.
"If he sees you all happy and excited because you're going to go out, he's going to be excited about going out with you. So today, that's what we do. We give them a lot of love. Everything we're doing today, all the glamour is to show that New York cares about less fortunate dogs," he finished.
Not all of the furry fashionistas were calm on the runway. There were nerves from the amateurs, equipment malfunctions, and wardrobe malfunctions with which to contend, but all the animals and their owners enjoyed themselves.
As for the pros, the New York fashion Week runs through the Thursday, February 14th, while the "best in show" for the Westminster Dog Show will be decided on Tuesday, February 12th.
(Video Source: Reuters)